Yo. I am back.
DONE. FINISHED. BOOYAH. Hope you enjoyed this crazy ride. Thank you for all the reviews and all the love. I appreciate. Long ass chapter because I wanted to end it.
Disclaimer: Don't own BD
Chapter 36- To Live the American Dream
Hope you enjoyed the role you played
Your show is at an end
But there is no applause
There are no standing ovations
You've lost more than you gained
Do you even remember who you are?
Or who you use to be?
You traded your soul for riches
All in the name of Fame
Nicole's POV
Disgust.
Disgusted seemed too weak of a word. Feeling so sick that I wish I could up-chuck my entire being and degenerate into nothing. Feeling so vile I think my blood turned to bile. I was disgusted that it all had to come to this when my conscious warned me many times about my demise. It was stomach churning to remember that wretched voice that left me when I refused to listen to it. Sirayah and I sat in silence in my window, facing outside. I always wanted a window pane big enough where I could sit on it, I liked watching the sunset and rise sometimes.
"I'm surprised you aren't saying I told you so." I said finally.
"Not gonna do it." She rested her head on my shoulder. "We can't take back what's been broken."
True…seemed like we spent forever crying our eyes out until we fell asleep these past few days. We barely talked but to be honest, at this point, what could I say? What could she say? I made this grave for myself…high time I lay in it. I denied myself of ever having kids…and I killed the one I made before I got sick...too much of a mess to swift through…I'm tired. I'm tired of this and of myself. Ever since the word got out half the team were infected, including 8 victims, people were damn near attempting to stalk me for an interview or pictures. Those 8 people are now looking into charging Cairo for the spread of the virus but I feel like we all did this to ourselves, it takes two to get wrong. I haven't heard from Cairo either, or Duey, or anyone else for that matter. I honestly forgot some names of the people of the label that quickly. Tonya sent a text of condolences…so I guess she's just grasping straws at her luck being that she dodged getting infected.
I could say how sorry I am. I could apologize for how I got this way, so hell bent on doing things my way to get the Bentley's, the Red Bottoms and the cookie jar of coke by the bed. I had all that shit and more. I had niggas waiting in line in all the clubs I ever performed at and even had bitches want me to sign their tits, one girl Tweeted a pic of her tatting over the ink so it'd stick with her forever. I had that life.
Now? All that shit is gone. No more parties, nobody's laughing anymore…no one's waiting in long lines, coming from all over to see me. It's all over. As fast as it came, was as fast as it was gone.
"Hey Sirayah…you know…whenever I was on the road…in my sleep a voice would warn me about this happening. It told me to redeem myself and leave after I landed in the hospital when I overdosed. It said that was going to be the last time it'd come if I didn't listen." Sirayah remained silent, I continued.
"That voice sounded a lot like you…I guess I should've known you would be there, even in my sleep. Both conscious and unconscious…I didn't listen to you." People are hard headed when they want their way, there's nothing new about that. What's funny about this that no matter how bad things are, people will always have that one person to tell them right, and no one will listen until it's too late. People say they don't want to learn the hard way but there is no such thing as an easy way or hard way. You reap what you sow. Every one think they knows what's best, but how could you when everything under the sun is a lie?
"…I'd never let this happen to you." Sirayah began to sob again.
"You didn't. I let it happen to me." I smiled sadly. I ran out of tears, if I keep crying, I'd cry blood. I'm all cried out. Sirayah's phone rang where it sat on my dresser.
"You should probably get that. You haven't spoken to anyone in days." I didn't move from my spot or gaze in the window. I tried to tell her she didn't and shouldn't miss work for me…but our uncle let it slide, but she did have to work tomorrow, she wasn't working all this week.
"Hello?" her voice died out, she walked out the room to talk. I heard the faint responses, but she was too far for me to get hear anything. Once my phone began ringing I sighed. I picked it up off the floor deleted all the contacts, opened the window and chucked it as hard as I could. I don't want to talk to anybody. Sirayah's voice became louder as she came back from…where ever she went.
"I'll see you later. Bye." She hung up the phone and sat back beside me.
"Huey?" I asked.
"Actually no, it was Alice. Huey did text me whilst I was talking to her though. I told them both I'm fine."
Mhm. Alice…I wonder did she laugh at my shortcomings. She never did like me, not like I gave any reasons for her to like me mind you. No, Alice wasn't that fucked up, I'm just feeling like everyone's taking shots at my expense. I felt like all eyes were on me, all mouths laughing and belittling me.
"…I don't want to die." I said. Sirayah looked me and gripped my hand.
"You won't. You'll get medication and you'll be okay…we'll get through this."
"I will die." I repeated. Eventually the sun will set on my time. Slowly and painfully.
"Stop talking like that right now." She hissed. "You're my cousin, I love you, nothing will change that okay?"
"…Alright Sisi." The foreign nickname I haven't said in eons. The older I grew I stopped calling her that, but now seemed like it was appropriate to resurrect it.
"I have to go. Alice told me that Ming wanted me to help her and Haruna. She's moving back to New York. Hiro will be out of rehab in a few weeks."
Haruna did have a kid, didn't she? She'll be able to watch him grow as she gets older, living out a full and happy life.
"I see."
"I'll come back."
"Don't have to."
"I want to." I glanced back at the window.
"Okay, I'll see you when you return."
"I'll call you."
I smiled.
"Nah, just come on over." I no longer have a phone for anyone to call me on.
...
Tonya's POV
Nicole wasn't answering her phone. Damn, where is she? I needed to talk to her. I wobbled to the chair and slowly sat down. I was over my cousin's house in Phoenix, I was about to pop. I can feel it. Sighing I called her again, but this time her phone was off. I growled.
"Damn it girl, I swear." I guess you could say I was worried about her, which is amazing because I don't really care for anyone outside myself or family. I was a total bitch to her at times, but she put up with it. I became…attached in some way. What do naive broads call this feeling? Friendship I believe, it's such a foreign feeling though. I suppose after Ivy's born I'll take a trip to Maryland and see her.
"Aye Tonya, did you eat my hot chips?" My cousin Destiny asked me. She walked in wearing a black and red striped maxi dress with black sandals and fresh head of curly brown Brazilian weave that stopped right at her ass. Her nails were just done too. I had to admit, she looked fly as hell.
"Girl, fuck off I'm about to pop and you worried about some damn chips." She sucked her teeth.
"Momma about to get off work and Terrance is on his way." She smoothly changed the subject. Aunt Jackie worked for Nike so my cousins were always fresh every time they started a new school year, her sister; Natasha was the nurse at the hospital I will be going to deliver Ivy. My mom? Fuck her. That's all I'll say about that subject. She was never a thing I wanted to be bothered with. My dad? Fuck him too, only thing that bastard gave me was life and a single Barbie doll. Nigga must've thought his new bitch ass wife was too good to be around the family he left behind. Ole dank ass.
"Terrence still works at Fed?" Terrance was her brother.
"Mhm, I keep telling that nigga he need to get with you and find some connects to get into the booth."
"Yeah, he can rhyme, I wonder why he won't do it." He was a Poetic Justice type nigga, and though his style is more conscious, I would look forward to reading his dope shit all time when I was younger. He made me feel like I was sitting at a live taping of Def Poetry jam.
So, as you can see, I fucks with my fam. She strutted back in the kitchen.
"I want my damn chips!" she hollered. I laughed.
"Yo fat booty ass don't need no more-" the sudden pain was so intense I stopped talking. I looked down and saw water all over the couch and floor. Gripping the arm of the chair I began gasping. Destiny rushed back into the living room.
"AH SHIT!" she grabbed her Iphone 5 and dialed someone.
"Terrance! Where you at? Come to the house! Ivy here nigga!" she cried into the phone.
"Momma ain't back yet, where you at? Where? Get yo ass on retard! I told yo dumb ass to put gas in the car before you left!" she screamed. That man RODE on E. Always, he hated getting gas and we would be damn near stranded because of him. One time we were on the FREEWAY at 3:15 in the morning because he drove his car bone dry. Aunt Jackie fussed at him when she had to drive out to us with a can of gas.
"Ugh! He so damn stupid! I'on know why that nigga refuse to keep gas in his car!" she screamed.
"Where he at?" I was finally able to speak; these contractions are kicking my ass.
"At the gas station, I'mma see where Momma is." She called her.
"Hey Momma, where you at? You off yet? Ivy is on the way and we need a ride to the hospital." I watched her face drop, then only to return to a scowl.
"He at the gas station! I know! Well, okay, we'll have to wait then. We'll see you at the hospital."
"What the fuck?" I breathed.
"She told them to let her go early today but someone had fucked up something and she has to stay 2 hours more." Destiny shook her head and called Terrance back.
"Momma will have to meet us at the hospital she can't take us. Hurry up nigga, where you at now? Okay, hurry up." She hung up the phone and walked over to me.
"He on Florence, he's almost here." She gripped my head.
"The contractions are getting closer together!" I cried as I through my head back in agony. The front door suddenly flung open.
"HEY C'MON I'M HERE!" Terrance screamed. He helped Desi carry me to the car. After putting me in the passenger seat, Desi hopped in the back and Terrance balled off to the hospital.
"Ughhhh!" I shouted as he sped through traffic with his hazard lights on, he was soon followed by a cop car.
"Please don't pull him over!" I shouted, but no. He turned his lights on and Terrance immediately pulled over. When the cop came to the car, he noted me in the passenger seat before he talked.
"I will follow you to the hospital, drive carefully." The cop said sternly as he allowed us to go. His lights were still on as he trailed us to the hospital both cars speeding. The pain grew worse and worse.
"I'm almost at the hospital hang on." Terrance said as he concentrated on driving. Once we reached the hospital, Destiny jumped out the car and ran inside to go retrieve me a wheelchair. The cop pulled up beside us and offered to help me. The two men helped me out the car as Destiny and Aunt Natasha rushed outside.
"We already have a room for you, c'mon honey!" Aunt Natasha told me. I groaned a thank you to the policeman and was carried off to the delivery room. The lights, those white lights flooded my vision as they were propping me up as well as doping me with epidural…thank God, I couldn't take the pain anymore.
"You're fully dilated and ready!" the doctor yelled. I gritted my teeth as I felt my body push the baby out.
"Push! C'mon that's it!" he cried. "Steady now!" I screamed in pain and tears fell from my eyes.
"You can do it honey! Push!" Aunt Natasha wiped my head with a wetted towel. Destiny was shaking and Terrance looked like he wanted to faint.
"AHHHHHH!" I cried. I was pushing and pushing what seemed like 1000 years. When I heard the cries of my baby, I was relived.
"One more push, the foot is still in there." And with one more push, the doctor retrieved my baby and cradled her. Ivy Morgan Vasquez. She was my darling. After they washed the blood off of her they handed her to me and I almost gasped when her eyes met mine for the first time.
She inherited Cairo's gun metal eyes. A whirlwind of emotions went through me. Anger that she was Cairo's….sadness that I would have to tell her momma was wild for her years…and disappointed she wasn't Riley's. I smiled. But I love her regardless. All that other shit can wait until later. Right now it's all about me and my beloved Ivy. Nothing in this world mattered more to me than her. I kissed her tender forehead as she drifted to sleep in my arms. Destiny, my aunts, and Terrance looked in awe.
"She is so beautiful. My lil cuz." Destiny said, voice filled with love.
"Tonya…" Aunt Jackie looked at me. I looked up from my baby.
"Cairo is the father." All the smiles faltered.
"You have to tell him." Aunt Jackie said firmly. Didn't I just say this shit can wait until tomorrow, damn let me be happy with my damn baby please? But that's just how Aunt Jackie was, hell I'd probably would ignore good moments too if I had to deal with my wretched mother growing up.
"Why you gotta bring that up?" Natasha hissed at her older sister, my cousins stared at me, trying to ignore them.
"Because it must be addressed Tasha."
"I know that Jackie, let's just revel in the moment." Her brown eyes looked pleading to her elder sister whom only just folded her arms.
"Tomorrow." She looked at me.
"Tomorrow." I repeated, sadly. When everyone left that night and Ivy was put in the nursery I called Riley.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Riley…" I whispered. He was silent, waiting for the word but spoke suddenly.
"Do I need to be there in the morning?"
"…No you don't. She's Cairo's Riley."
"Oh." I laughed so hard.
"Nigga I know you glad, don't act so somber."
"Damn I didn't want to be an insensitive ass nigga, well shit hell yeah I'm glad!"
I smiled, that's better. I didn't feel like hearing no sad asses on my phone.
"Riley, after what all I put you through you were still worried about being insensitive? You really are a good person aren't you?" He was silent after that.
"Keep it to yourself." He said seriously.
"I'm sorry for what I did to you." I blurted after him.
"Ivy might have changed you for the better broad." I heard the smile in that.
"Keep it to yourself." I smiled.
"Alright Tonya, give Ivy a nice life ya hear?" I sucked my teeth.
"Nigga no doubt!"
"No problem, and thank you for not naming her Blue Ivy, I was like damn bitch you cray." He laughed. "She still got Ivy in her name but you was about to name her some shit like Light Green/ Rose Pink Ivy and some shit."
I laughed. Riley was a nice person. I'm glad she wasn't his now.
"You will always be dumb nigga. Bye."
"Bye Tonya." I hung up the phone. I looked out the hospital window. Where the hell is Nicole?! I tried to call her before calling Riley. She was scaring me. I know what Cairo did to her and I wanted to talk to her, not for my show or anything…just to see if she was okay. And be not deceived, I knew not to ask Riley anything, nigga wasn't that cool with me.
I sighed. I hoped she was okay though. I put my head back against the pillow closed my eyes, damn I was tired. I need to sleep. I got a long life ahead of me now.
...
Ming's POV
"Riley pick up the box right! Damn, playful ass!" He was high and I can tell, Huey had to leave for California for a new MMA match and was not here. I'd rather deal with his ass before Riley.
"WHOOO A NIGGA SO LIFTED." He came to the house fucked up, no wonder Alice had drove.
"Stop lifting yourself and lift the damn box!" I snapped. Riley just laughed.
"Damn I'm so happy Ming."
"LIFT THE FUCKING BOX RILEY!" I shouted at him exasperated.
"You need some weed darling. You so tense." I shoved his high ass away and called for Sirayah. She walked outside to us with an eyebrow raised.
"Is everything alright?"
"Come help me with this box."
"Naw nigga I got it." Riley staggered over and pick up the box. Sirayah sighed.
"Forgive him. He was celebrating earlier. He took Alice to eat and went bowling and was smoking over at Huey's place before coming."
"Aw, he's not the father of that child?" I asked.
"HELL NAW." Riley smiled as she shoved the box inside the Patriot Jeep. Alice and Haurna walked outside. Haruna was caring Akira in his car seat.
"I think I have everything. Thank you for you all's help."
"Anything for you Haru, you our nigga. Been managing us for years, we love you bruh." Haruna smiled at Riley's slang filled display of affection.
"I love you too bruh."
"Haruna, never in your life say bruh again." Alice laughed.
"I know, I'm not about dat thug life." She continued, Riley was in a fit of laughter at this point. I raised my eyebrow at the scene.
"Ya'll dumb. C'mon Haruna." I said as I hopped in the car.
"Bye guys, see you all in New York."
"Okay, be safe, keep in touch, let us know when you're throwing the party for Hiro!" Alice waved.
"Sure thing loves. Say by Aki." She raised him out the seat as he waved his tiny hand.
"Bye lil man, we'll see you soon!" Riley smiled.
...
Riley's POV
"Bye!" Sirayah waved. The car pulled off the lot as Ming began their trek back up to New York. We walked back inside the house Huey lent Haruna for the time she and Ming was there. Alice and I looked at Sirayah. I personally didn't want to kill my buzz and I was in a damn good mood so I didn't want to bring it up, Alice however did.
"So how's everything?" I slouched back on the wall.
"Nicole's okay. I'm heading back over there now, since Huey's out of town, there's no reason for me to be here right now."
"Well you could always come by, we've missed you." Alice said.
"I'm sorry…I'm still not knowing how to take this. I have to go to work tomorrow and all those kids will ask me shit I'm not ready to be bothered with just yet. I've kinda dropped from the world this past week."
"Understandable." I nodded. As happy as I was to know Ivy wasn't mind, I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her. Tonya's gonna have to tell her why her father may or may not live to see her graduate high school or college…or even see his grandchildren. Walking around with that shit…it's a tough cross to bear. The press was getting in Renegade's ass lately too. Those people Cairo infected are looking to see if they can sue him. Damn that's bad. No one has seen them since they were outed either.
But on a good note, I talked to Caesar the other day, Cindy had to go to England as soon as her injuries were healed, and he went with her. He said he was drawing up sketches of Hiro's club. It was going to be a surprise to Hiro, but Caesar said he'd build Hiro another club. And he knew what type of layout Hiro liked, saying he told him he was thinking of remodeling it to the sketch Caesar was drawing before all that fuck shit had happened.
That will lift that man's spirit, I know it is, which why we can't wait to set the plan in motion.
"Yaya, you know we got your back, call us if you ever need anything."
"Thank you Riley. You two take care. I'm going back over to Nicole's house." She kissed me and Alice on the cheek before she headed back out. I looked over at her.
"Your friend is pretty strong."
"Yes she is. I'm just glad these nightmares are coming to a close." She walked over to me and rested her head on my chest.
"Seemed like bad news was coming in like clockwork you know what I mean? It seemed like everyone had their fill of it." It wasn't over just yet for everyone. Tom was still at large. Aunt Cookie has been here since last Friday to watch over granddad just in case. I patted her head.
"Yes, but life is all a dream." I said.
"Is that your attempt to sound like Huey?"
"Well you know a nigga get deep with the endo in his system." Alice laughed and she pushed herself off me a strutted to the back.
"Why not come get deep in something else?" she winked at me before disappearing behind the wall.
"….You ain't said a thang ma!" I ran after her.
...
Huey's POV
"How are you doing? You alright?" I asked Sirayah over the phone. I decided to give her a call after I had to leave out to Cali at the last minute but I did tell her I was leaving when we spoke earlier before I had to board the plane.
"I'm fine, and hey thanks for giving me this space Huey, I really needed it. I didn't mean to come off like I didn't want to talk to you."
"You know I understood, I didn't want to be all in your space anyway."
"I really appreciate that. Who are you fighting tonight? Seems like an eternity since you fought."
"I know, you know I'm trying to get that new dojo built in New York." That's what I do when I'm in my down time. I manage my dojos and train my students.
"Uh-huh, when is Caesar building the new club for Hiro?"
"When he gets home, he wanted his input before building something he wouldn't like."
"Right, where are you at now?"
"My hotel, the match is tomorrow. I'm gonna head off to bed after I'm off the phone with you." If I didn't have her or Riley with me I didn't do much when I was out of town. I'd go sight see for a little while and might even buy some souvenirs but I mostly stuck to the gym and home. I might read me a chapter of this new book I bought before I went to sleep though, not sure yet.
"Okay, Haruna and Ming's back in New York."
"Good I can't wait to see Haruna." Sirayah snorted into the phone.
"You'll never get along with Ming, will you?"
"I swear I never will."
"You two are impossible.
"Nah, just the way it is." She and I continued to talk until I got sleepy.
"Hey, " I yawned, "Let me call you tomorrow, I'm hella tired now."
"Okay, night love."
"Night, love you too." I hung up the phone and rolled over, going straight to sleep. My phone rang and I grabbed it.
"Huh?"
"HUEY! Do you remember where I put those garbage bags?" Granddad asked me.
I hung the phone back up and went to sleep, but not before texting him to look in the pantry above the stove. He responded that that's where they were and thanks. That man could call me about a damn leak in a pipe and call me to complain about it at 8 in the morning if he wanted to. Why was he even still up? He and Cookie sometimes stay up and talk to each other when she's in town, so I guess that's what it was.
...
Jazmine's POV
I walked silently through the night. Woodcrest is dead after 9:30. Everything was closed and everyone was sleeping sweet dreams. I on the other hand, was up and alert. In all-black attire, hair was tied in a single braid and hidden under a black beanie with aviator shades; I basically looked how Cindy used to look. I wasn't dressed all pretty, I wasn't wearing any make-up this was business. My combat boots sloshed through the rain water than sprinkled down overnight. I arrived at the Wuncler park and took out a cigarette and held it loosely between my lips. It hung downwards slightly as I watched the end burn, ashes falling silently to the ground.
"You wanted to see me?" I turned at the voice. He was wearing all black as well and he too wore shades. He was dark but an informant was an informant. I found him after seeking out a dealer. Woodcrest was slowly being run by gangs by Ed Wuncler the III, so I knew my dad had to have bought him a rent-a-thug from Ed, everyone has someone in the link of crime.
"I got the money, you got the intell. Make this quick." I put the cig between my fingers and blew out smoke. Seedy people were my calling, I had to snoop around and fish people out, but criminals knew other criminals, and I was on the hunt for my father's head.
"Your father is meeting with Gambino in Baltimore they fled to the city once things got hot here. They're probably at this abandoned warehouse called Granders on 45th."
"Where's Ed?"
"He's still down here; you know he gives no fuck about anything. Crazy ass."
"Down where? At a club or what?"
"House of Cheeks, like always." I tossed him the satchel of money.
"Won't you get killed for snitching?" I spat.
"This money was my ticket out of this state and this life." And with that he turned on his heels and left. Not dwelling on him, I made my way down to the club. When I walked in, I saw the strippers, the drunkards and the ballers. I almost sneered when I saw that old ass Pimp Named Slick Back. 15 years and still turning tricks I see. But he wasn't my target; I saw my prize and walked up to him.
"Yo Ed." I called. He was in his early 40s now and was running his father's city to the ground with his many ties to crime and drugs. His green glazed eyes looked me up and down.
"Who the fuck is you?"
"The person who has some bad news for you, get up and meet me in the alley if you want to know about the traitors in progress." He arched his eyebrow and tossed the women off of him. Once we got out to the cold, stinky alley, he went to grab me, but I pulled out my black .45.
"Now now, you'll know who I am in good time, but stand back. I don't have time for silly games."
"Who the fuck is you and what you mean traitors in progress?" he yelled. Ah, still so simple to rouse after all these years. Perfect. I'd hate for him to actually think, it'd ruin my plans.
"Are you familiar with a 'Gambino?'" His is eyes widened.
"Hell yeah, that son of a bitch left town. He owes me some damn money. He bought some products from me and never paid me in full." He stressed the word 'products' like I was 12 years old. I know he bought guns and drugs off of him.
"Well he's about to be paid for a secluded hit he's committed that equals to the amount due, but he will not give you any payment and keep it for himself. He told me so, I'm his ex-bitch, and I'm feeling scorned."
"What the fuck? I want my got damn money!" he raised his fist angrily in the air. I smiled an evil smile.
"I know the address of where the transaction will be taken place."
Ed calmed, but was still frowning.
"Tell me." He said gravely. "Wait! Do you have a price for this as well?"
"No. My revenge is the only payment I need." And I proceeded to give him the address.
...
Tom's POV
"Here's the money." I said as I passed the bag to Gambino at the warehouse. He successfully charted me out of town, I guess it was to make up for the fuck up him and his goons did to the house.
"See Tom? All that animosity earlier for nothing, I told you I got you proper nigga." He laughed as he put a cigar in his mouth. His goons stood behind him, monitoring the warehouse. I nodded.
"Yeah well, we're all done here. Now if you don't excuse me, I have a flight to Russia I need to make." I stood up but was stopped at the sound of screeching wheels outside. The wheels roared louder…as if…
"What the fuck?" a jeep came crashing into the doors. The goons began firing their AK's before realizing who they were shooting at and stopped. Gambino frowned as his boss and his comrades jumped out the offending Jeep.
"Ed?" Gambino asked confused.
"GIVE ME MY FUCKING MONEY HO!" he yelled.
"What are you talking about? I was going to give it to you; I have the amount I owe you here." But to my surprised his body was riddled with bullets.
"I DON'T PLAY ABOUT MY MONEY! That's what I'm talking about! Nigga was acting like he was a thoroughbred. No one plays me BITCH." He shot up the other two men and I ran and ducked behind a stray box, hoping they'll leave.
"One nigga missing, I counted four when we crashed in here." One said.
"Burn the bitch down if a nigga wants to hide. No survivors. Scout the area, if he runs, his ass is sniped." I frowned. My survival skills kicked in. I would leave out the back before any of them could go around there. Darting to the back door, I ran down the hall and made a sharp right. I quietly opened the back door, only in mere seconds to feel hot air beside me. I barely escaped the explosion; a piece of shrapnel metal pierced my leg as my body was tossed into the air like a ragdoll. When I landed, I spat out the blood that formed in my mouth. I sat up and crawled backwards, looking at the wreckage. I looked around to see the men, I didn't see them. I stood up and limped away from the scene.
"Where you think you going nigga!?" I heard one scream at a distance. I took off running with my good leg, but it didn't get me far.
-bang-
-bang-
-bang-
-bang-
-bang-
...
Ed's POV
I looked at the dead mo'fucka on the ground once we finally were close to the body. I recognized him.
"This is Tom Du'bois. What the hell was he doing here?" I looked back at the fiery factory.
"Aw well, fuck em' he dead now, we gots to blow this joint before the cops come." And we left 'em there to rot.
...
Duey's POV
I walked nervously to my car in the underground garage. I was under protection from Cairo and anyone affiliated from Renegade. After I confessed I was sent multiple death threats and I was instructed to leave the state, but I was making plans to flee to a secluded spot in Canada. I just had a few more loose ends to tie up. I closed the door and started my car.
-BOOM-
...
Nicole's POV
Sirayah was watching her man beat up another victim for the day when I heard a knock at the door. I was startled to see Tonya.
"Bitch!" she yelled. Sirayah turned from the TV to look at us awkwardly. I rushed outside, closing the door behind me.
"What?" I asked.
"I was worried sick about you. What do you mean 'what?' why the fuck won't you answer your damn phone?" She was worried about me? I doubted that.
"Please, no need to lie, and I through my phone away, I don't need it."
"Yes you do need a phone, damn and what you mean don't lie?! We're…." she quieted down and folded her arms.
"You could've at least told me!"
"We're what?" I arched an eyebrow.
"We friends aren't we? Damn." She mumbled. I just stared at her.
"Congrats on Ivy." I said. She smiled.
"She in the car, come meet her." She grabbed my hand and opened the passenger door. I saw the prettiest baby ever. Her hair was all curly and she smiled at me warmly. Her eyes though…those eyes…when I looked over at Tonya she nodded. No words were needed.
"Did you tell him?"
"He won't pick up his phone." Tonya sighed.
"You don't need that piece of shit anyway." I sucked my teeth as I stroked the girl's soft cheek.
"Will you be Ivy's Godmother?" I nearly broke my neck as fast I turned back to Tonya.
"I want you to see a child grow up. Be involved with one. Should anything happen to me, I know she'll be safe with you." She said. I felt tears run form in my eyes.
"Why?"
"…We're friends." She said. I embraced her in a hug. We cried together.
"I'm so sorry about what happened to you." Tonya sobbed.
"Aw, this is not the bitch I came to know and like." I smiled. She just rolled her eyes as she wiped the tears away.
"Whatever ho, I guess Riley was right…" she turned to her daughter. "She's changing me….but not entirely." We giggled when Sirayah opened the door.
"NICKI! COME QUICK!" Me and Tonya stared at each other.
"Is it okay for me to come in?"
"She don't care anymore, c'mon." she followed me in the house, bringing Ivy in her car seat along. Sirayah noted Tonya's existence in the house as well as the baby, but chose to ignore it, like Nicole thought she would.
"Look, niggas going crazy! Breaking news!" she pointed at the TV, still standing. Tonya and I moved in to see what she was talking about. She sat Ivy on the couch and joined my side.
'HIV/AIDS victim Duey Jerome Jenkins was found dead in his car this morning, which was burned alive at the apartment 'Red Evergreen's' underground garage in Chicago Illinois . Forensics found remains of an explosive bomb located at the scene. Duey was an affiliate of the raising Hip-Hop movement and label 'Renegade' when he revealed his status and also claimed the label was involved in money laundering and embezzlement of its artists. He said it was difficult for him to admit his illness but could not live with the conscious of knowing others could carry the HIV/AIDS virus and not come forward. He was 23 years old. We will now get back to the scheduled programming and will have more on this at the 10 o clock news.'
I covered my mouth.
"Daaaaaamn." Tonya said. "SHIT GOT REAL." She looked at the two of us. I couldn't believe it. Duey was murdered. Dead as a human….killed…was blown up. I gripped my shoulders as a wave of paranoia went through me.
"Cairo wouldn't kill me would it?" I asked in a panic. Sirayah looked at me.
"No! Don't think that!"
"Don't worry girl, you kept your distance from the media as you should. That was not your business. Cairo will be caught if he is linked to Duey's murder. Don't you worry." Tonya said. Sirayah stared, as if to silently say she seemed to have missed something. Tonya, being Tonya, walked up to her.
"Hey girl, look, I know I was wicked bitch but…I mean no harm. I'm living for my kid now. I ain't saying like me and shit, just know I want your cousin in my life for a while."
Sirayah just blinked.
"Life is fucking weird." She walked into the kitchen. I smiled as Tonya looked at me.
"I guess that's her way of saying she won't hold any grudges if you won't." Tonya nodded.
"Cool, hey Sirayah, do you want to be in my reality show?" she asked as she trailed her into the kitchen.
"Bitch don't play yourself." I heard Sirayah respond. I shook my head and sat beside my new god-daughter.
"Well Ivy, welcome to Earth, we're pretty crazy down here." I smiled. I had to stifle my laugh as Tonya was trying to convince her to appear.
I needed this level of normalcy. I know that I'm sick and will get sicker with age…but I'm glad Sirayah has never left my side…and I'm glad I have a god-daughter to spoil to death. I was filled with a new purpose. Not now, but soon…I'll write a book about a girl like me. This fame shit…it ain't worth it. I almost lost more than I gained and my rotten choices will not haunt my body until I die. My aunt, Sirayah's mother always would say this verse whenever I told her I wanted to become rich and famous.
'Nicole, do you know why humans are not to be idolized like God?' she never gave me the answer and found it out the hard way. Humans…are not to be worshiped, we cannot handle the pressure fame comes with. All the drugs, free sex….the idolatry…are all whims to the human ego. We self-destruct…and those people that say they love you, they care will be nowhere in sight when you need them to prove those sentiments. The world's a dirty place.
Someone tried to warn me once, obviously I didn't listen, but I can take this lesson and spread the word.
All that glitters isn't gold. If young girls won't learn anything else, they should learn that.
I know I did.
...
Jazmine's POV
I was called into the police station that morning. I frowned.
"What's wrong officer?" I asked.
"Your father….Thomas Du'Bois…was found murdered behind a burned down warehouse this evening…" I covered my mouth in shock.
"And….as you know….we learned he killed your mother." I nodded, mouth still covered. I shook my head and dropped my head.
"My family…my family, whatever happened to it?" I cried. The cop handed me a tissue and I wiped away my crocodile tears. I already mourned for mom.
"Sorry for your loss Ms. Du'bois."
"Do you know who killed my father?" the cop shook his head.
"We're investigating it, would you like us to contact you should we find any leads?"
"Oh yes please sir." I nodded my head.
"Alright…I'm sorry to give you this troubling news back to back."
"It's alright…I already assumed the worst…I just…I should go." I stood up and he allowed his assistant to let me out the room. I walked casually got in my car. As I drove away…I smiled.
"Hope you burn in hell Thomas." I seethed. And that my friend was the end of it. I never looked back. There's nothing to look to but forward…I wonder if Nikoali's number is the same. It's never too late to gain back what one has lost.
...
Hiro's POV
It's been two weeks since I've been out and I feel wonderful. I love taking care of my darling Akira. I can never make up for missing his birth, but I was going to be around for the rest of his life. He can count on that. My relationship with Haruna was repaired, it wasn't easy but I'm making head way with her. I could do without Akira's constant crying though. I was so happy to have rocked him to sleep when there was a knock on the door. I walked into Akira's room and sat him carefully in his crib. I looked into the peephole to see Caesar and Cindy.
"Yo people!"
"Hey! Welcome back!" Cindy hugged me. Caesar shook my hand and bumped my shoulder.
"It's good to be back."
"Haruna's back at work?" Cindy laughed.
"Yep, for the meantime I'm a stay at home dad."
"Ah yes, about that. Come, let us talk in your office, I have a surprise for you." He followed me into the office. He and Cindy sat in the chairs in front of my desk.
"What's up?" I asked.
"We will get right down to the nitty gritty. So, your club burnt down and you have no income." Cindy began.
"…Yeah." She was so blunt; I almost got mad at her. Damn, that shit has sunk in, but don't be so crude about it.
"So we've decided to build you a new one." Caesar grinned. I blinked.
"What?" I whispered. He put drawn out blueprints on the table.
"Before all that awfulness happened, you were talking about remodeling the place. I can't remember all the details, but I drew out what I could." I gawked at the designs before me. I looked up at him.
"This could cost a fortune! I can't ask you to do such a thing…no! No…I don't know how but I'll get it up on my own." I shook my head.
"No, take it. Money is no object amongst friends. All I want in repayment is to see you up on stage spinning and mixing those records again. You need to be where you belong."
"And living life the way you intended." Cindy continued. "Hiro, you and your club helped Riley and Caesar get to where they are now. Heavily promoting their mix tapes, and celebrated every album release and every platinum status they ever received. Of course we are going to help you."
I felt my eyes get wet. SHIT! I nodded and inhaled, not wanting to cry.
"Damn…I can't thank you enough." I wiped my face. "I'm getting emotional." I stood up and embraced my best friends until the world stopped a hug.
"I love you all so very much." I said.
"We love you too Hiro." Cindy hugged me tighter.
...
Tonya's POV
I shook my head as I made my way to the jail in Chicago. Cairo was found guilty two months after the bombing and was sent to jail for life. His label dead, all his money sold to the victims, and nothing show for it but AIDS lesions that grew on his neck. He called me after he found out Ivy was his when I sent a letter and a picture of her.
I sat down in front of him and picked up the phone.
"Tonya, where is she?"
"Where's who? Ivy? I'm not bringing her in here."
"I wanted to see her."
"She'll know about you, but you won't ever meet her." I said. Cairo looked saddened.
"Damn bitch I'm already dying can't a mothafucka at least see his only blood relative?" he spat angrily.
"Don't speak as if you deserve Ivy. Duey didn't deserve to die, he did the right thing in outing your nasty tail and you have no one to blame but yourself."
"You have no room to talk tramp, what you think people saying about you? You are no better than me, don't speak like you are!" he yelled.
"I've changed since you've been here…things around me has changed." Cairo's glare softened.
"She has my eyes…" he sighed and closed his. "Fuck."
I didn't feel sorry for him. Murder and self-hatred wasn't going to take that now full blown virus out of him.
"I don't know what to tell you." I told him honestly.
"When she gets old enough to understand…please give her the choice to visit me." His eyes pleaded with me.
"…Alright." I sighed.
"Thank you."
I hung the phone up, looked at him and left. When I walked out of that prison I sighed. I hated my mother but I somehow managed to turn out just like her. I guess I too hated myself for a while. But I'm learning to love myself. No time to dwell on the past though.
It's time for me to move on. Well, bye-bye Chicago, hello Miami where my baby, two favorite cousins and friend awaits!
...
Cindy's POV
I was at the hotel getting ready for the big celebration today! Hiro's club was rebuilt and it was a ribbon cutting event! He deserved it after all that had happened, and I was more than happy for him. Caesar was in the shower singing loudly and off key but I love my chocolate drop anyway. My cell rang and I saw it was Jazmine. I texted her a few months back, sending my condolences to her about her parents. She just said it was a tragic lost cause…and said she'd miss her mom more than anything. She's back to making music, damn good music if I must admit and she was on her way to do a European tour.
"Hello?"
"Hey old friend, I just wanted to say hi and congrats to you guys helping Hiro."
"Thanks Jazz, wish you could be here." I said distantly.
"Nah, I'm good. We both know enough is enough. We got our own lives now. I can see you from afar." I smiled sadly, wishing it didn't have to be this way.
"I miss you sometimes though."
"Don't. You're wasting your time." She chuckled.
"Hey, I'll be in Italy next week, and I can't help but to notice you'll be there that same week." I cooed.
"I'll see you there McPhearson." She laughed.
"Alrighty, peace Hollywould."
"Bye Cindy." I hung up the phone and sighed. Jazmine will always be a part in my life, whether it be big or small. My lament was interrupted as Caesar walked out the shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist.
"I guess I better get ready-ooops!" He dropped his towel. I just laughed at him.
"Boy you are not sly." I smiled. "We don't have time for that."
"Yes we do."
I squirmed in my seat. Okay, we may run a little late.
...
Huey's POV
We were at the ribbon cut of the newly built, renamed club, 'The Good Life'. Yeah I know, at a glance it sounds horrible but 'Life is Good' was taken by Nas and he didn't want to sound like a biter. He wanted a name that symbolized the shit he went through and how he gained his life back. Riley suggested he name it 'I Got My Shit Back', but that was not marketable at all. He was serious too. I shook my head at the memory. All of us was there accept Nicole who was down in Florida with Tonya and Ivy, but sent us her regards and wished the best for Hiro. Granddad also managed to come; he now had to sit in a wheelchair. Riley and I hated to watch him wither away but he told us to not be little bitches and be glad he was still around to see Hiro's new shop open. We just smiled at him; Robert Jebidiah Freeman will never lose his gusto. Akira was being held by Haruna as Ming was hollering instructions, she looked over at me.
"Huey! Get over here for the picture." She pointed at a specific spot. I folded my arms and she spoke again as I opened mine.
"I swear if you get difficult—"
"No." I smirked at her. "I like where I'm standing anyway." Ming balled her fists.
"You're such a donkey Freeman!" we were bickering as everyone else was posed for the picture. Sirayah rolled her eyes.
"Yo! Yo! Take the picture like this! We REAL!" Alice laughed. The photographer shrugged and took a picture of us in front of the club. Sirayah was looking annoyed, Ming and I was arguing, Riley and Alice were smiling, Cindy and Caesar were looking at us like we were crazy, granddad had his lips puckered up as he was throwing up Westside with his fingers, Haruna was kissing Akira on the cheek and Hiro had his shoulders shrugged as he smiled, as if to say 'yeah…this is my normal life'.
You know what? Why we would have it any other way?
-The End-
Thanks to all my dedicated readers and followers for your love and support. I'm glad I made you laugh, and just feel the emotions of certain chapters. Your support keeps me writing these stories and makes me try my best to improve. One love. Never thought I'd make a story with over 300+ positive reviews.
NOW STAY TUNED. I'M COMING BACK WITH ROSES! MY FIRST HUEYXJAMINE joint. I'LL MAKE IT HOT LIKE FIRE! LOL Let me see that story get like...500 reviews lol (a girl can dream)
Later. Love you like a know ya!